Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Responds to Reporter Who Once ‘Attacked’ Him for Not Wearing a Suit at the White House – Video
When the 47-year-old Ukrainian leader encountered the U.S. president again at the White House months after a reporter asked him about his attire during a meeting, he didn’t allow the opportunity to speak slip.
During a press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a swift and amusing retort to Real America’s Voice reporter Brian Glenn, just months after he was questioned about his attire choices. The exchange is currently trending on social media.
The incident rekindled interest in a previous conversation between the two. Glenn harshly insulted the Ukrainian leader’s group on February 28, 2025, when Zelenskyy visited the Oval Office.
“You’re at the highest level in this country’s office, and you refuse to wear a suit,” Glenn replied. Glenn, who was wearing a navy blue suit at the time, was standing with other reporters who were facing the two presidents.
Zelenskyy’s casual wardrobe was perceived by many Americans as disrespectful to the office, notably the White House, and Glenn inquired as to whether he even had a suit.
Zelenskyy addressed the criticism head-on. “When this war is over, I’ll don a costume [sic].” Perhaps something similar to yours? I don’t know, maybe something better. He said Glenn, “We’ll see.
Zelenskyy and Glenn reconnected a few months later on August 18, when they met at the White House.
“You look fabulous in that suit,” Glenn said to Zelenskyy, alluding to his all-black ensemble. Meanwhile, Trump joked, sitting close by, “He’s the one that attacked you last time.”
Zelenskyy said he remembers the journalist with a smile. “I apologize to you, you look wonderful,” Glenn went on. Still cheerful, the Ukrainian official gestured toward him and said lightly, “You’re wearing the same suit…I changed, you see. You didn’t.
The incident instantly generated responses on several platforms and was extensively posted online.
Several people commented on Zelenskyy’s handling of the situation under a video of the exchange that TRT World released on Facebook.
One person said, “His sense of humor is good…” and another said, “Embarrassing.” “Zelensky [sic] you look good in anything you wear,” a third person said. A handsome dude.
The Yahoo! News Facebook page received a flood of additional online responses. After someone another said, “This is so petty,” another viewer made the snarky remark, “First rate [sic] journalist right there 🙄.” Zelenskyy’s remark was welcomed by a supporter, who said, “‘You’re in the same suit.'” spectacular return.
Viewers also shared their thoughts on Instagram. One said, “This was another embarrassing moment for the administration.” Some defended Zelenskyy’s appearance, saying that it doesn’t matter what he wears. A suit is not necessary for him. He appeared well and at ease as he desired. An other person said, “At least he apologized, better than nothing.”
Beyond social media, Zelenskyy’s attire was a topic of conversation. Elvira Gasanova, a Ukrainian designer who has previously collaborated with Zelenskyy, stated ahead of the August 18 meeting that she anticipated him to dress more formally in response to recent criticism.
Some designers have offered stylistic commentary on Zelenskyy’s appearance, while others saw his attire as profoundly meaningful. Illia Ponomarenko, a Ukrainian war journalist, claims that Zelenskyy’s outfit choices represent the nation’s wartime reality and the identities of individuals directly engaged in the fighting.
Zelenskyy’s attire sent a subtle, anti-elitist message, according to Ponomarenko. “He wears clothing that reflects the typical Ukrainian participating in this war effort, even when he meets with kings. ‘I’ve come to the corners of power as a spokesman of my modest people,’ is the message he conveyed.
Trump’s gait caused alarm and conjecture on the internet before to his meeting with Zelenskyy.
Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15. Spectators focused on his gait as he walked down the red carpet to meet Putin.
In a side-by-side video, Trump and Putin were seen coming down the stairs from their separate aircraft, with Trump landing first and Putin still on the steps. Trump changed his gait from a straight line to a zigzag once he was on the red carpet.
Online people were alarmed by this shift and swiftly expressed their opinions. One spectator exclaimed, “Oh man – that walk!” as he was unable to see past his stride. “Why can’t he walk straight?!” asked another individual directly.
Another person offered a more thorough view, saying, “It’s really odd that Donald Trump can’t walk straight. He was obviously having trouble walking, swaying back and forth as though his balance were wrong.
“Can any doctors tell me?” was a request for information that evolved from curiosity. Why is it that Trump finds it difficult to walk straight? One netizen said, “Slow the video down to.25x,” when others looked more closely. His swerving gait is evident. He also loses his balance much more when he stares down at the carpet. Trump is ill.
However, not everyone considered it a health problem. According to one opinion, “President Trump is walking like that to throw off potential snipers.”
Another person went into great detail about that concept, saying, “SURVIVAL: Trump was shot by an assassin just last year and just avoided a second attempt on his life two months later. The most effective approach to thwart an assassin’s bullet is to use a zigzag pattern.
With a more calculated explanation, “Likely targets of long range snipers are often directed to walk in a zigzag pattern to decrease the effectiveness of future attacks.”
The White House said in July that Trump had recently been checked for leg edema and was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, despite the fact that many people were speculating about his gait.
The White House Medical Unit performed a “comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies” on the 79-year-old, according to press secretary Karoline Leavitt. She read from a note written by Dr. Sean Barbabella, the president’s doctor.
According to the letter, which was eventually made public, “bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.” Trump’s recent reports of slight edema in his lower legs triggered the evaluation.
According to the doctor’s report, there was no indication of artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, or other irregularities in the test results. Additionally, an echocardiography revealed no indications of kidney problems, heart failure, or any other systemic ailment.
Blood can accumulate due to malfunctioning vein valves, which results in chronic venous insufficiency. The illness affects about 150,000 people annually, and the risk rises with age.
Leg or ankle edema, varicose veins, cramps, skin changes, or discomfort are all possible outcomes of the disorder. Medication is one kind of treatment; in more severe situations, medical treatments may be necessary.
The diagnosis, according to Harvard Medical School assistant professor of emergency medicine Dr. Jeremy Faust, is “basically not alarming information, and it’s not surprising.”
Faust went on to say that it is a typical aspect of aging, particularly for people who are overweight or obese. He did point out, though, that these symptoms should always be assessed in order to rule out more serious diseases, which is what happened with Trump.
Additionally, chronic venous insufficiency might occasionally be linked to underlying conditions like sleep apnea or high heart pressure, according to cardiologist Dr. Bernard Ashby. He underlined that although the ailment is frequently seen as benign, what counts most is identifying its source, which may be connected to lung or heart problems.
He also stated that Trump’s medical staff was “covering all their bases” by examining him for heart failure and other associated issues. According to experts, the illness is also influenced by lifestyle choices, weight, and age.
Chronic venous insufficiency is more common in elderly folks, overweight people, and those who do not routinely exercise, according to Dr. Chris Pernell. The illness can also be exacerbated by prolonged standing or sitting.
Pernell further noted that although the illness is not fatal, it can be incapacitating. Although the president was diagnosed, press secretary Leavitt stressed that he was feeling “no discomfort.”
